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24
November
2025
|
14:38
Europe/London

New report reveals Greater ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ tourism’s 2.5 million tonne carbon footprint and sets path to carbon neutrality

Tourism in Greater ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ generated around 2.5 million tonnes of COâ‚‚ equivalent in 2023, with most emissions linked to how visitors travel to and from the region, according to a new study by the Research at ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ.

The report, commissioned by Marketing ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, Visit England, and the Growth Company, is the first detailed analysis of direct tourism emissions for a city-region in England. The findings reveal that international flights and domestic car travel are the biggest sources of emissions, alongside smaller impacts such as accommodation, and attractions.

Led by Dr Chris Jones and , the research also makes recommendations for how the region can grow a low carbon visitor economy in the region, supporting Greater ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2038.

The framework will act as a guide for other destinations to conduct similar assessments and address common data limitations in the tourism sector.

a Research Associate based at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, said: “Tourism connects people with places and cultures, while supporting local economies and jobs. However, this value can’t come at the expense of our environment. In the climate crisis it is vital that the sector becomes sustainable in every sense of the word. Measuring tourism emissions is challenging, but it is important for identifying where change is most needed.

“By commissioning this research Marketing ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ has taken an important and proactive step to decarbonise tourism. We hope that this work will not only support Greater ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ to take action and reimagine what truly sustainable tourism looks like, but also inspire other destinations to do the same.â€

Key findings of the report include:

  • International travel dominates emissions: Although relatively low visitor numbers, long-haul flights from Asia, Oceania, and North America make a disproportionately large contribution to carbon impacts.
  • Domestic car travel a major contributor: Trips by petrol and diesel vehicles account for the majority of domestic travel emissions, even on well-connected rail routes.
  • Trip profiles matter: Analysis suggests the carbon footprint or a trip to Greater ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ can range from under 10kg COâ‚‚e for regional day-trippers to over 500kg COâ‚‚e for long-haul visitors. Mostly because of transport options.
  • Low-carbon infrastructure already in place: Most major attractions benefit from excellent public transport accessibility, increasing the opportunity for car-free tourism.

Recommended actions include:

  • Promoting rail and ferry access from nearby European countries.
  • Targeting tourism growth in markets accessible by low-carbon transport.
  • Supporting accommodation providers and attractions to meet local energy efficiency targets.
  • Encouraging car-free tourism through public transport integration and sustainable travel itineraries.

The research establishes benchmark targets aligned with Greater ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ's commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2038 and its aim to be in in the Global Destination Sustainability Index top 40, including phasing out petrol and diesel car visits and ensuring no net growth in aviation emissions until truly low-carbon alternatives become available at scale. It also supports Marketing ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ's participation in the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, said: “Tourism is a significant contributor to ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s economy, but we cannot overlook its environmental impact. As a destination, ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ is passionate about driving forward low-carbon tourism, and this report, in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, is helping us set a standard for other English cities to follow. Having clear objectives will help us to make a positive impact and support our partners to become greener in the process; all of which will contribute to our region’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2038 and keep our status as a leading sustainable UK destination.â€

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